Ekin Koyuncu, Global Distribution & Partnership Director of OGM UNIVERSE, joins EPISODE to have an insightful chat about the first half of 2025, the continued success of 6 of Us, and their bold new title The Fall of the King. She also emphasized the importance of the CEE region for OGM UNIVERSE and talked about their participation in NEM Dubrovnik 2025 as the company continues to strengthen its global footprint.
We last spoke with you just before MIPCOM 2024. To begin, how has the first half of the year been for OGM UNIVERSE?
The first half of 2025 has been incredibly dynamic for OGM UNIVERSE, as we’ve continued to build on the momentum of our major titles and expanded our presence in key international markets. We’ve had successful launches like 6 of Us and The Fall of the King. Our portfolio is maturing, and we’re seeing a strong global appetite for Turkish storytelling. In addition to our growing series portfolio, we’ve also expanded our team with new key members: Mikaela Perez as Sales Director for LATAM, US, and IBERIA, Canan Koca as Sales Executive for CEE, Baltics & Europe, and Mina Aslan as Sales Executive for Asia, Africa, and Inflight. This growth within our team is helping us manage our expanding global reach and strengthen our market position.
In our last conversation, you shared your excitement about your new drama, 6 of Us. Now that the season has wrapped, the series performed exceptionally well in Türkiye, regularly topping the ratings and building a strong audience. How has it been received internationally?
We’re incredibly proud of how 6 of Us has resonated with both local and international audiences. In Türkiye, it consistently led its time slot on STAR TV, and the response was deeply emotional, viewers connected strongly with Azize’s strength and the sibling bond at the heart of the story. Internationally, the series has struck a chord thanks to its universal themes: the power of family, survival against all odds, and the redemptive nature of love. We’ve seen significant interest and early sales in MENA, CEE, Spain and Latin America and CIS & Russia, regions where stories of sacrifice and emotional transformation really resonate. What sets 6 of Us apart is that it’s not just a family drama, it’s a sweeping saga of resilience and unexpected love. Azize and Devran’s forced marriage evolves into a powerful, slow-burning love story, layered with pain, trust, and healing. That emotional depth, paired with prestige-level production and a cinematic visual style, makes it feel globally relevant while staying uniquely Turkish.
We’ll also be sharing some exciting news with our international partners and audiences very soon regarding new sales, so stay tuned.
I’d also like to talk about The Fall of the King. Starring renowned actors Halit Ergenç and Merve Dizdar, the series made a strong debut and has been praised not only for its cast but also for its compelling story. At a time when we’ve missed more joyful shows, this one balances drama and humor quite well. How would you describe the series in your own words?
The Fall of the King is a gripping exploration of power, ambition, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of the 1990s. It’s a dramatic and deeply emotional story of Kenan Baran, a successful businessman who seemingly has it all; wealth, status, and a perfect wife, Handan. However, beneath this perfect facade lies a life filled with infidelity, betrayal, and emotional emptiness, leading to a dramatic unraveling of his world.
The series is a poignant journey of loss and redemption, as Kenan, who has always been in control, faces the consequences of his actions. His empire crumbles, and he must confront not just his business failures, but also his emotional turmoil and fractured relationships. Alongside this, Fadi, a young woman from a humble background, enters his life, disrupting the established power dynamics. Her innocence offers Kenan an escape, but her own pursuit of dreams forces her to navigate a complex and sometimes toxic world.
What truly sets this series apart is how it blends powerful drama with moments of dark humor and deep emotional stakes. It’s not a show that simply explores the fall from grace of a powerful man; it’s also about the women in his life, Handan, who struggles to reclaim her identity, and Fadi, who grapples with her own values and ambitions. The balance of these emotional arcs makes The Fall of the King a truly compelling and layered narrative.
At its core, The Fall of the King is a tale about the fragility of power, the costs of betrayal, and the complexity of human emotions. The stunning performances by Halit Ergenç and Merve Dizdar, combined with the visionary direction of Durul and Yağmur Taylan, elevate the story to something that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
The Fall of the King went through a long and meticulous development process, and it had been one of the most anticipated projects in Türkiye. Could you walk us through the pre-production process and how the team brought everything together?
Absolutely. This project was in development for nearly two years. We were very deliberate in shaping the script, casting, and visual tone. The creative team worked closely with our writers and directors to ensure authenticity and emotional impact. Every detail, from the choice of locations to the color palette, was carefully curated. It was a true collaboration between seasoned talent and fresh voices.
Where do you see The Fall of the King heading in terms of international sales? Which regions do you think will resonate most with its themes?
We have already successfully licensed The Fall of the King across key international territories, including MENA, Central & Eastern Europe, CIS & Russia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The series’ powerful themes of betrayal, legacy, and the collapse of authority have resonated strongly with diverse audiences, affirming its universal appeal. These early successes not only demonstrate the show’s global potential but also pave the way for further expansion into premium markets in Western Europe, North America, and Asia.
“OGM UNIVERSE’s growth has been powered by our unwavering commitment to high-quality storytelling, which resonates with audiences across the globe.”
Another title I want to mention is Another Self, which, as far as I know, has been well received globally, especially in MENA and LATAM. What would you like to share about the series and its success?
Another Self continues to surprise us with its ongoing success. The series taps into a deeply human need for healing and connection, which has made it popular in many regions. It’s particularly strong in MENA and LATAM due to its spiritual themes and strong female leads.
I’d also like to ask about Dilemma, your crime drama starring Bergüzar Korel. The 8-episode series has been very well received in Türkiye. How about internationally?
Dilemma has generated strong interest internationally, especially from platforms looking for a contained, high-quality limited series. Bergüzar’s performance has been widely praised, and the series’ layered narrative has found a niche among crime drama lovers in CEE and Western Europe. We’re currently working on a broader global rollout.
OGM UNIVERSE was established fairly recently, it’s been about three years, yet the company has grown very impressively in a short amount of time. What do you think made that growth possible? What has been your core strategy?
OGM UNIVERSE’s growth has been powered by our unwavering commitment to high-quality storytelling, which resonates with audiences across the globe. By collaborating closely with top creative talent, we ensure that every project meets the highest production standards. This focus on emotional depth and cinematic quality, paired with our deep understanding of international trends, has allowed us to tailor our content to the unique needs of diverse global markets. Our strategy centers around building strong, trust-based relationships, being agile in the marketplace, and consistently delivering emotionally impactful content.
Looking ahead, we are focused on expanding into new markets, collaborating, and co-producing with global partners. With OGM UNIVERSE, we aim to strengthen our global presence, positioning ourselves as the go-to source for high-quality Turkish drama. By offering a diverse portfolio that blends local authenticity with universal appeal, we’re establishing direct relationships and reinforcing our position on the global stage.
You’ll be attending NEM Dubrovnik, a key event for the CEE region. What importance does the region hold for OGM UNIVERSE, and what are your expectations for this year’s market?
CEE is a vital region for us. Audiences there have a strong affinity for Turkish dramas, and we’ve built meaningful relationships with many key broadcasters and platforms. At NEM, we look forward to presenting our newest titles, deepening our partnerships, and exploring co-production opportunities. It’s always a market where we see great energy and potential.
